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Aims: Whether electrocardiographic (ECG) measurements predict mortality in chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) is unknown. Methods and results: We studied 4880 patients from the Vericiguat Global Study in Subjects with Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction (VICTORIA) trial with a baseline 12‐lead ECG. Associations between ECG measurements and mortality were estimated as hazard ratios (HR) and adjusted for the Meta‐Analysis Global Group in Chronic Heart Failure (MAGGIC) risk score, N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide, and index event. Select interactions between ECG measurements, patient characteristics and mortality were examined. Over a median of 10.8 months, there were 824 cardiovascular (CV) deaths (214 sudden) and 1005 all‐cause deaths. Median age was 68 years (interquartile range [IQR] 60–76), 24% were women, median ejection fraction was 30% (IQR 23–35), 41% had New York Heart Association class III/IV, and median MAGGIC score was 24 (IQR 19–28). After multivariable adjustment, significant associations existed between heart rate (per 5 bpm: HR 1.02), QRS duration (per 10 ms: HR 1.02), absence of left ventricular hypertrophy (HR 0.64) and CV death, and similarly so with all‐cause death (HR 1.02; HR 1.02; HR 0.61, respectively). Contiguous pathologic Q waves were significantly associated with sudden death (HR 1.46), and right ventricular hypertrophy with all‐cause death (HR 1.44). The only sex‐based interaction observed was for pathologic Q waves on CV (men: HR 1.05; women: HR 1.64, pinteraction = 0.024) and all‐cause death (men: HR 0.99; women: HR 1.57; pinteraction = 0.010). Whereas sudden death doubled in females, it did not differ among males (male: HR 1.25, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.87–1.79; female: HR 2.50, 95% CI 1.23–5.06; pinteraction = 0.141). Conclusion: Routine ECG measurements provide additional prognostication of mortality in high‐risk HFrEF patients, particularly in women with contiguous pathologic Q waves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The presence of pathologic Q waves on admission electrocardiogram (ECG) in patients with anterior ST‐elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI) has been related to adverse cardiac outcomes. Our study evaluates the prognostic value of QRS complex and Q waves in patients with STEMI undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. Methods: We prospectively analyzed the specific characteristics of QRS complex and pathologic Q waves on admission and on discharge ECG in 144 patients hospitalized for anterior STEMI. We correlated these findings with the development of left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD), appearance of heart failure (HF) or death during follow‐up, and levels of several biomarkers obtained 6 months after the index event. Results: Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that QRS width (odds ratios [OR] 1.05, p =.001) on admission ECG and the sum of Q‐wave depth (OR 1.06, p =.002) on discharge ECG were independent predictors of LVSD development. Moreover, QRS width on admission ECG was related to an increased risk of HF or death (OR 1.03, p =.026). Regarding biomarkers, QRS width on admission ECG revealed a statistically significant relationship with the levels of NT‐pro‐BNP at 6 months (0.29, p =.004); the sum of Q‐wave depth (0.27, p =.012) and width (0.25, p =.021) on admission ECG was related to the higher levels of hs‐cTnI; the sum of the voltages in precordial leads both on admission ECG (−0.26, p =.011) and discharge ECG (0.24, p =.046) was related to the lower levels of parathormone. Conclusions: Assessment of QRS complex width and pathologic Q waves on admission and discharge ECGs aids in predicting long‐term prognosis in patients with STEMI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using comprehensive cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging in patients suffering from ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI), we sought to investigate the association of admission Q waves with microvascular injury (microvascular obstruction (MVO) and intramyocardial haemorrhage (IMH)). This prospective observational study included 195 STEMI patients treated with pPCI. Admission 12-lead electrocardiography was evaluated for the presence of pathological Q waves, defined as a Q wave duration of >30 ms and a depth of >0.1 mV. CMR was performed at 3 (interquartile range: 2–5) days after pPCI to determine infarct characteristics including MVO (late gadolinium enhancement) and IMH (T2* mapping). Admission Q waves were observed in 53% of patients (n = 104). These patients had a significantly lower BMI (p = 0.005), more frequent left anterior descending artery as culprit lesion (p = 0.005), were less frequent smokers (p = 0.048) and had higher rates of pre-interventional TIMI flow 0 (p = 0.018). Patients with Q waves showed a significantly larger infarct size (19%vs.12% of left ventricular mass,p < 0.001), lower ejection fraction (49%vs.54%,p = 0.001), worse global strain parameters (all p < 0.005) and more severe microvascular injury (MVO: 68%vs.34%,p < 0.001; IMH: 40%vs.20%,p = 0.002). Q waves remained associated with both MVO (odds ratio: 5.23, 95% confidence interval: 2.58 to 10.58,p < 0.001) and IMH (odds ratio: 3.94, 95% confidence interval: 1.83 to 8.46,p < 0.001) after adjusting for potential confounders (culprit lesion, pre-interventional TIMI flow 0, total ischemia time, ST-segment elevation). Admission Q waves, derived from the readily available ECG, emerged as independent early markers of CMR-determined microvascular injury in STEMI patients undergoing pPCI. • Admission Q waves showed significant association with MVO and IMH. • Admission Q waves revealed independent prediction of MVI. • Patients presenting with admission Q waves are related to adverse clinical outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In traditional literature, it appears that "anteroseptal" MIs with Q waves in V1-V3 involve basal anteroseptal segments although studies have questioned this belief.Methods: We studied patients with first acute anterior Q-wave (>30ms) MI. All underwent late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).Results: Those with Q waves in V1-V2 (n=7) evidenced LGE >50% in 0%, 43%, 43%, 57%, and 29% of the basal anteroseptal, mid anteroseptal, apical anterior, apical septal segments, and apex, respectively. Patients with Q waves in V1-V3 (n=14), evidenced involvement was 14%, 43%, 43%, 50%, and 7% of the same respective segments. In those with extensive anterior Q waves (n=7), involvement was 0%, 71%, 57%, 86%, and 86%.Conclusions: Q-wave MI in V1-V2/V3 primarily involves mid- and apical anterior and anteroseptal segments rather than basal segments. Data do not support existence of isolated basal anteroseptal or septal infarction. "Anteroapical infarction" is a more appropriate term than "anteroseptal infarction." [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recent Expert consensus statements have sought to decrease false positive rates of electrocardiographic abnormalities requiring further evaluation when screening young athletes. These statements are largely based on traditional ECG patterns and have not considered computerized measurements.Objective: To define the normal limits for Q wave measurements from the digitally recorded ECGs of healthy young athletes.Methods: All athletes were categorized by sex and level of participation (high school, college, and professional), and underwent screening ECGs with routine pre-participation physicals, which were electronically captured and analyzed. Q wave amplitude, area and duration were recorded for athletes with Q wave amplitudes greater than 0.5mm at standard paper amplitude display (1mV/10mm). ANOVA analyses were performed to determine differences these parameters among all groups. A positive ECG was defined by our Stanford Computerized Criteria as exceeding the 99th percentile for Q wave area in 2 or more leads. Proportions testing was used to compare the Seattle Conference Q wave criteria with our data-driven criteria.Results: 2073 athletes in total were screened. Significant differences in Q wave amplitude, duration and area were identified both by sex and level of participation. When applying our Stanford Computerized Criteria and the Seattle criteria to our cohort, two largely different groups of athletes are identified as having abnormal Q waves.Conclusion: Computer analysis of athletes' ECGs should be included in future studies that have greater numbers, more diversity and adequate end points. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salmonella myocarditis has been a case of medical underestimation in terms of the occurrence, identification, and treatment decision for most patients. One prominent reason is the lack of significant scientific literature or reports highlighting the same. In addition, most often the complications associated are not exclusively limited to myocardiac infection and thus end up being neglected or undiagnosed. Cases of virus-induced myocardiac infection and the virus-mediated exacerbation are well realized in our scientific community, but the case is not same for bacteria-related myocardiac infection. Rarity of bacteriological myocardiac infection and the lack of prompt and first hand medical suspicion have led to this consistent medical negligence, ultimately resulting in further complications. In this review, we discuss about the case histories of Salmonella myocarditis and the existing treatment options. This review also tries to summarize the most common observed electrocardiographic and functional changes noted in cases of Salmonella myocarditis, to enable clinicians be updated with various markers for suspicion of Salmonella-triggered infection and ultimately resulting in improved clinical diagnosis and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Animal studies have demonstrated that intra-myocardial haemorrhage does not occur with STEMI unless myocardium is reperfused with blood. Managing late presenting STEMI is a challenge because reperfusion of non-viable myocardium will not salvage myocardium but potentially causes intra-myocardial haemorrhage which has negative connotations. In the infarct leads, there are pathologic Q waves of variable depth and width together with ST elevation. The latter often fails to resolve despite an angiographically successful primary PCI. This article reviews the literature of ST resolution after reperfusion therapy, recent mechanistic insights on intra-myocardial haemorrhage gleaned from cardiac MRI, the patho-physiology of STEMI including also findings from animal models, and the role of Q waves in characterising the evolution of STEMI towards its irreversible destiny. The MRI studies have correlated intra-myocardial haemorrhage with worse ventricular remodelling and worse outcome. A suggestion is made incorporating infarct-lead Q waves and time duration from symptom onset to discern whether late reperfusion attempts should be initiated or aborted. This suggestion should be confirmed through appropriate size randomized trials with mechanistic endpoints from serial MRI evaluations and, more importantly, with clinical endpoints on long-term outcome. Table 4 summarizes current STEMI guidelines for late-presenting patients and Fig. 5 suggests potential future alterations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This perspective makes a contentious viewpoint that ECG information is underutilized in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and the next breakthrough rests on its full utilization. This is to better diagnose difficult cases such as ST changes during bundle branch block, posterior ST elevation and right-sided ST elevation during normal conduction, and aVR ST elevation. More importantly, this is to better characterize the STEMI for tailored reperfusion. The proposal is to develop a system capable of recording from multiple electrodes that one can apply onto oneself, and having analysis coordinated centrally via phone-internet transmission. This provides 'longitudinal' in addition to 'cross-sectional' ECG information. STEMI will be classified on a gray-scale according to its potential size and speed of Q wave evolution. The hypothesis is that large rapidly progressive STEMI is best treated by on-site fibrinolysis with prompt transferral to a percutaneous coronary intervention center; while small stuttering STEMI is best treated by primary percutaneous coronary intervention despite a long delay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: In the present study, we investigated the association of pathological Q waves with infarct size. Furthermore, we investigated whether Q-wave regression was associated with improvement of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), infarct size, and left ventricular dimensions in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients with early Q-wave formation compared with patients without or persistent pathological Q waves. Background: The criteria for pathological Q waves after acute myocardial infarction (MI) have changed over the years. Also, there are limited data regarding correlation of Q-wave regression and preservation of LVEF in patients with an initial Q-wave MI. Methods: Standard 12-lead electrocardiograms (ECGs) were recorded in 184 STEMI patients treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). ECGs were recorded before and following PCI, as well as at 1, 4, 12, and 24 months of follow-up. An ECG was scored as Q-wave MI when it showed Q waves in 2 or more contiguous leads according to the 4 readily available clinical definitions used over the years: “classic” criteria, Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction criteria, and 2000 and 2007 consensus criteria. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) examination was performed at 4 ± 2 days after reperfusion and repeated after 4 and 24 months. Contrast-enhanced CMR was performed at baseline and 4 months. Results: The classic ECG criteria showed strongest correlation with infarct size as measured by CMR. The incidence of Q-wave MI according to the classic criteria was 23% 1 h after PCI. At 24 months of follow-up, 40% of patients with initial Q-wave MI displayed Q-wave regression. Patients with a Q-wave MI had larger infarct size and lower LVEF on baseline CMR (24 ± 10% LV mass and 37 ± 8%, respectively) compared with patients with non–Q-wave MI (17 ± 9% LV mass, p < 0.01, and 45 ± 8%, p < 0.001, respectively). Patients with Q-wave regression displayed significantly larger LVEF improvement in 24 months (9 ± 11%) as compared with both persistent Q-wave MI (2 ± 8%) as well as non–Q-wave MI (3 ± 8%, p = 0.04 for both comparisons). Conclusions: Association of Q waves with infarct size is strongest when using the classic Q-wave criteria. Q-wave regression is associated with the largest improvement of LVEF as assessed with CMR. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: Patients with ST elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI) have different outcome depending on the reperfusion strategy. Methods: To discern if the presence of initial Q waves in the infarct leads is a useful prognostic parameter in STEMI patients within 6h of symptom onset treated by different reperfusion strategies (fibrinolysis, fibrinolysis followed by percutaneous coronary intervention [PCI], and primary PCI) we performed a systematic review on outcome comparing patients with and without initial Q waves. Results: The relative risks for those with Q waves were significantly raised for both mortality and the composite outcome of mortality, congestive heart failure or cardiogenic shock, and at both 30-day and 90-day time points. The relative risk for mortality varied from 2.18 (95% CI 1.32–3.61) at 30days to 2.54 (95% CI 1.87–3.44) at 90days. The relative risk for composite outcome was 2.28 (95% CI 1.71–3.04) at 30days and 2.25 (95% CI 1.81–2.80) at 90days. Conclusion: The presence of initial Q waves is a relatively robust parameter to stratify outcome regardless of the reperfusion methods. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background Historically, Q-wave myocardial infarction (MI) has been equated with transmural MI. This association have, however, recently been rejected. The endocardial extent of MI is another potential determinant of pathological Q waves, since the first part of the QRS complex where the Q wave appears reflects depolarization of subendocardial myocardium. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to test the hypothesis that endocardial extent of MI is more predictive of pathological Q waves than is MI transmurality and to investigate the relationship between QRS scoring of the ECG and MI characteristics. Methods Twenty-nine patients with reperfused first-time MI were prospectively enrolled. One week after admission, delayed contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DE-MRI) was performed and 12-lead ECG was recorded. Size, transmurality and endocardial extent of MI were assessed by DE-MRI. Q waves were identified with Minnesota coding and electrocardiographic MI size was estimated by QRS scoring of the ECG. Results There was a significant difference between patients with and without Q waves with regard to MI size ( P = 0·03) and endocardial extent of MI ( P = 0·01), but not to mean and maximum MI transmurality ( P = 0·09 and P = 0·14). Endocardial extent was the only independent predictor of pathological Q waves. Endocardial extent of MI was most strongly correlated to QRS score ( r = 0·86, P<0·001) of the MI variables tested. Conclusion The endocardial extent of reperfused first-time acute MI is more predictive of pathological Q waves than is MI transmurality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The Electrocardiogram has extensively been used for evaluation and triage of patients with acute chest pain. The clinician admitting a patient with ST elevation acute myocardial infarction should be able to estimate the size and location of the ischemic area at risk, how much of the ischemic myocardium has already undergone irreversible necrosis by the time of presentation, and the “severity of ischemia” (or what is the rate of progression of necrosis as long as ischemia continues). The electrocardiographic variables that are used to make these estimates are the initial portion of the QRS (Q and R waves), the terminal portion of the QRS (the S waves and the J-point), the ST segment, and the configuration of the T waves. This editorial discuss the ability to predict each of the “physiological” parameters using the above mentioned electrocardiographic variables. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: The common electrocardiographic subclassification of anterior acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is not reliable in presenting the exact location of the infarct. We investigated the relationship between predischarge electrocardiographic patterns and the extent and location of perfusion defects in 55 patients with first anterior AMI.Methods: Predischarge electrocardiogram was examined for residual ST elevations and Q waves which were correlated with technetium-99m-sestamibi function and perfusion scans.Results: Patients with ST elevations in V2–V4 and Q waves in leads V3–V5 had worse global perfusion scores. Perfusion defects in the apex inferior segment were significantly less frequent in patients with Q waves in leads I and aVL (11% vs 54%, P= 0.027; and 22% vs 60%, P= 0.011, respectively). Patients with Q wave in aVF had more frequently involvement of the apex inferior segment (80% vs 40%; P= 0.035). Patients with Q wave in lead II had significantly more frequent perfusion defects in the inferior wall. ST elevation in V3 and V4 was associated with perfusion abnormalities of the infero-septal segments. ST elevation in V5 and V6 and Q wave in V5 were associated with regional perfusion defects in apical inferior segment (73% vs 30%, P= 0.002), extending into the mid inferior segment (55% vs 18%, P= 0.005 for Q wave in V5). Q wave in lead aVL is associated with less apical and inferior involvement. Q waves in leads II and aVF are a sign of inferior extension of the infarction.Conclusions: Residual ST elevation in leads V3 and V4 are more frequently associated with involvement of the apical-inferoseptal segment rather than the anterior wall. Residual ST elevation and Q waves in V5 are related to a more inferior rather than a lateral involvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Presence of Q waves on the presenting electrocardiogram (ECG) in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) has been associated with worse prognosis; however, whether the prognostic value of Q waves is influenced by baseline characteristics and/or rapidity of revascularization based on the guideline-based metric of door-to-balloon time remains unknown., Hypothesis: We hypothesized that Q waves in the presenting ECG will be predictive of long term mortality regardless of time to reperfusion., Methods: The Harmonizing Outcomes With Revascularization and Stents in Acute Myocardial Infarction (HORIZONS-AMI) trial enrolled 3602 patients with STEMI undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention. We stratified patients without prior history of myocardial infarction or coronary revascularization according to presence or absence of pathological Q waves on their presenting ECG. Associations between Q waves, death, and cardiovascular outcomes within 3 years were assessed using Cox proportional hazards regression., Results: Among 2723 patients with evaluable ECGs, 1084 (39.8%) had Q waves on their presenting ECG. Male sex and time from symptom onset to balloon inflation were independent predictors of presence of Q waves. Patients with Q waves had higher adjusted risks of all-cause death (adjusted hazard ratio: 1.45, 95% confidence interval: 1.02-2.05, P = 0.04) and cardiac death (adjusted hazard ratio: 1.72, 95% confidence interval: 1.08-2.72, P = 0.02). The association between Q waves and cardiac death was consistent regardless of sex, diabetes status, target vessel, or door-to-balloon time (P interaction > 0.4 for all)., Conclusions: Presence of Q waves on the presenting ECG in patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention due to STEMI is an independent predictor of mortality and adds prognostic value, regardless of sex or rapidity of revascularization., (© 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Animal studies have demonstrated that intra-myocardial haemorrhage does not occur with STEMI unless myocardium is reperfused with blood. Managing late presenting STEMI is a challenge because reperfusion of non-viable myocardium will not salvage myocardium but potentially causes intra-myocardial haemorrhage which has negative connotations. In the infarct leads, there are pathologic Q waves of variable depth and width together with ST elevation. The latter often fails to resolve despite an angiographically successful primary PCI. This article reviews the literature of ST resolution after reperfusion therapy, recent mechanistic insights on intra-myocardial haemorrhage gleaned from cardiac MRI, the patho-physiology of STEMI including also findings from animal models, and the role of Q waves in characterising the evolution of STEMI towards its irreversible destiny. The MRI studies have correlated intra-myocardial haemorrhage with worse ventricular remodelling and worse outcome. A suggestion is made incorporating infarct-lead Q waves and time duration from symptom onset to discern whether late reperfusion attempts should be initiated or aborted. This suggestion should be confirmed through appropriate size randomized trials with mechanistic endpoints from serial MRI evaluations and, more importantly, with clinical endpoints on long-term outcome. Table 4 summarizes current STEMI guidelines for late-presenting patients and Fig. 5 suggests potential future alterations., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)